Central and Eastern Europe enters 2026 with a renewed strategic relevance on the global economic map. The Central & Eastern European Forum, now under the umbrella of the Financial Times Group, is evolving from a regional anchor event to a global platform for dialogue, analysis, and policy direction. This shift is more than symbolic — it reflects the growing weight of the CEE region in shaping continental and cross-regional financial dynamics.
Taking place in Vienna on 13–14 January 2026, the 31st edition of the CEE Finance Forum is expected to bring together over 2,000 representatives from governments, banks, corporates, and investment institutions spanning more than 50 countries. As the first edition held after full integration into the FT Group, the 2026 forum positions itself as the most visible and globally connected to date.
A Strategic Leap for the CEE Region
Becoming part of the Financial Times Group elevates the Forum’s reach and credibility in several ways:
- Broader international visibility among policymakers, financial leaders, and global investors
- Participation of Financial Times journalists contributing data-driven analysis
- Deeper cross-sector dialogue and alignment across the CEE region
- Enhanced influence on the policy and investment narratives that shape the year ahead
“For more than 30 years, the CEE Forum has served as a barometer for the banking and financial markets of Central and Eastern Europe,” says Francesca Cockcroft, Product Director, Capital Markets, FT Live. “Now as part of the Financial Times Group, the forum will benefit from FT’s trusted analysis and global standing as we work to expand visibility and deepen regional and sectoral connections.”
An Exceptional Line-up of Regional Ministers and Central Bank Leaders
The 2026 edition brings an expanded delegation of high-level officials whose presence underscores the rising strategic importance of the CEE region. Confirmed participants include:
Finance Ministers
- Markus Marterbauer, Minister of Finance, Austria
- Marko Primorac, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Croatia
- Alexandru Nazare, Minister of Finance, Romania
- Jürgen Ligi, Minister of Finance, Estonia
Central Bank Governors
- Martin Galstyan, Governor, Central Bank of Armenia
- Anca Dragu, Governor, National Bank of Moldova
- Irena Radović, Governor, Central Bank of Montenegro
- Gent Sejko, Governor, Bank of Albania
Deputy Governors
- Leonardo Badea, First Deputy Governor, National Bank of Romania
- Zoltán Kurali, Deputy Governor, National Bank of Hungary
- Petar Chobanov, Deputy Governor, National Bank of Bulgaria
- Ana Mitreska, Vice-Governor, National Bank of North Macedonia
Public Debt and Treasury Leaders
- Ştefan Nanu, Head of Treasury and Public Debt, Ministry of Public Finance, Romania
- Karol Czarnecki, Director, Public Debt Department, Ministry of Finance, Poland
This group represents one of the most diverse and influential delegations ever assembled at the CEE Forum, highlighting the region’s drive toward stronger financial resilience and strategic cooperation.
Key Themes Defining the 2026 CEE Economic Outlook
Over two days, the Forum will explore the full spectrum of macroeconomic, regulatory, and investment priorities shaping the region’s trajectory. Key topics include:
- Sovereign debt trends and fiscal sustainability
- Monetary policy challenges in a high-uncertainty environment
- Banking sector developments and digital transformation
- Private equity growth and regional investment flows
- Defence funding across Europe
- Energy and infrastructure priorities
- Sustainable finance, ESG frameworks and covered bonds
- Securitisation and broader capital market opportunities
These discussions aim to offer a comprehensive and data-informed outlook on how CEE economies can navigate the year ahead — balancing competitiveness, stability, and long-term resilience.
A Forum Shaping the Global Perception of CEE Economies
For governments, corporates, and investors, the CEE Finance Forum serves as a compass at the beginning of each year. The integration into the Financial Times Group amplifies the Forum’s ability to:
- shape regional policy narratives,
- attract global investors,
- promote cross-border projects,
- and highlight economic opportunities within CEE markets.
The 2026 edition underscores a clear message: Central and Eastern Europe is no longer a peripheral player, but an increasingly coordinated, influential, and data-driven region with global relevance.
As Vienna prepares to host this influential gathering, the Forum promises to set the tone for economic strategy, investment flows, and regional cooperation throughout 2026.
